Contractors working on a cycle lane project in Bath have damaged a Grade II* listed canal tunnel, leading to the closure of the waterway and towpath beneath Beckford Road. The incident occurred on October 9 when masonry fell into the Kennet and Avon Canal, according to local reports. In response, Bath & North East Somerset Council has also closed a lane of the A36, a main route into the city, while engineers assess the extent of the damage. The closure has exacerbated existing traffic congestion in the area, which was already affected by ongoing roadworks to install new cycling infrastructure, pedestrian crossings, and wider pavements.

The council had previously stated that these improvements aimed to move cyclists away from busy traffic on the A36 onto mostly segregated lanes and quieter streets. However, some residents contend that the area’s traffic issues intensified following the introduction of the New Sydney Place Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) in Bathwick earlier this year. Critics claim that the LTN has diverted approximately 4,000 additional vehicles daily onto the already congested main road, contributing to increased delays, pollution, and hazardous conditions for pedestrians.

Neil McCabe, a prominent campaigner against the LTN, described the situation as chaotic and unsafe. He expressed frustration that the council implemented the LTN permanently despite a consultation showing 76 percent opposition among respondents. McCabe also highlighted concerns over the rising costs of the scheme, which a freedom of information request revealed had increased from an initial £300,000 to over £800,000, excluding expenses related to the current repairs and ongoing roadworks.

The council’s latest work is part of a broader initiative to enhance walking and cycling connectivity across Bath, linking the city centre with the canal and quieter streets within the Low Traffic Neighbourhood. However, when asked whether listed building consent had been secured before beginning work on the historic tunnel and to clarify the project’s budget escalation, the council declined to provide details. Instead, the authority issued a brief statement thanking residents who reported the damage promptly and emphasizing that public safety remains a priority. The statement also included an apology for any inconvenience caused.

As engineers continue to evaluate the damage and plan repairs, the closure of the canal, towpath, and part of the A36 is expected to continue affecting travel and transport in the vicinity, prompting concerns from local residents and road users about ongoing disruption and safety.